Senex Energy has received environmental authority from the Queensland Government for its 100 per cent-owned Western Surat gas project in the Surat Basin, Queensland.

The approval represents a significant step forward for Senex’s $50 million-plus, 915-square kilometre coal seam gas project, and allows the company to develop up to 425 wells, as well as water management infrastructure and compression facilities.

The company aims to launch the operation in second quarter 2018, following the grant of a petroleum lease and other relevant regulatory approvals. The Surat Basin is one of two of Australia’s most notable onshore oil and gas projects, along with the Cooper Basin.

Ian Davies, managing director and chief executive officer of Senex was pleased with the project’s progress, calling 2018 an “exciting time” for Senex.

“We are making great progress on the Western Surat gas project,” he said, “systematically achieving the milestones to move into the development phase.”